Joining A Local Camera Club; The Benefits Of Membership
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Have you ever had a photography question but couldn't find anyone to
help, or maybe a photograph that needs a review to help you improve your skills,
or just someone to talk to about photography? Perhaps it is time to consider
a camera club.
Camera clubs have been around for nearly as long as the camera has. They are
located all over the world and as close as your local town or city. They provide
an opportunity to improve your photographic skills and knowledge, a venue to
challenge those skills, and a forum to share what you have learned with others
who have a passion for photography.
Most camera clubs meet several times during the month. Each meeting centers
around a theme, a workshop (how-to) session on equipment or software, a presentation
by a member or expert on a particular subject, a competition between members,
or a night to review and critique other's work.
My local club has been in existence for 32 years with a membership of approximately
130 adults, ranging from young to young at heart with experience levels from
amateur to professional. The one thing we all have in common is the need to
continue learning and the willingness to help our companions. During a meeting
you will see the 25-year pro teaching the three-year amateur the proper techniques
for composition, and 5 minutes later the amateur is teaching the pro about digital
storage cards. There is always something new to learn in the world of photography.
Our club meets each week and adheres to the following program schedule. The
first week of every month is competition night. You are allowed to bring in
two of your favorite images (prints, slides, or digital) to compete with other
members in a specific class, e.g., beginners, intermediate, and advanced. Each
image is judged by a non-member of the club. In most cases it is a senior member
of a neighboring camera club. Ribbons are awarded to the top three finishes
in each class. For the beginner class, feedback is provided to help the camera
enthusiast improve on their work. These nights are always interesting as it
provides you with a barometer to gauge your skills as a photographer against
other members of your club. There is also that rivalry among the group for bragging
rights till the next competition.
The second week of the month is usually an instructional workshop, where camera
equipment and accessories are discussed. The format is usually a short presentation
followed by a question and answer period. Some topics may include "Exposure
and Metering," "The Proper Use of Flash," or "Matting
and Framing Your Prints." For the digital photographer or those who scan
their images, workshops are conducted on the use of current software as well
as creating a slide presentation complete with special effects and music. The
digital world has been a new challenge to our club. Since the beginning, slides
have dominated the club's agenda, but with the increasing interest in
digital, the club has adjusted to successfully support both formats.
The third week of the month is reserved for presentations. We might have a visiting
photographer showcase his work or one of our own members put on a program for
us. Many of our members present at other local camera clubs or at a regional
level. This gives them a good opportunity to try out their presentation in front
of a live crowd. The atmosphere is very relaxed during these evenings where
you can just sit back and enjoy the show.
The last week of the month is what we call our image study night. Here you are
allowed to bring in two images and show them to the group for critique. This
is where your photographic skills can accelerate. Most camera clubs will have
members with extensive experience in all types of photography. So whether your
preference is outdoor nature or indoor portraiture, there are usually several
members who can provide you with the constructive criticism to advance your
photography skills to the next plateau.
One of the added benefits of my camera club is the organization of local field
trips. It provides an opportunity to learn and share your own photographic knowledge
with other members on the trip. This also gives you an opportunity to visit
places you may not have considered on your own. The trips typically cover macro
photography, portraits, nature, or wildlife and spans all seasons. It's
both a way to enhance your portfolio and provide you with material to enter
into competition night.
Ok, I have your attention and you can't wait to join, but the question
is how do I find a local club? The obvious answer is to do an Internet search
on camera or photo clubs in your state. Most camera clubs have their own websites
so you can usually review their program schedule and mission to see if it satisfies
your requirements. You can also visit the Photographic Society of America (PSA)
website (www.psa-photo.org) for a list of affiliate camera clubs by state. They
are a national organization established to promote and enhance the art and science
of photography. Another option is through a local camera store. Most camera
clubs have an arrangement with the local merchants for processing and supplies
(usually at a discount for members), so they can provide you with information
on area clubs. The way I got started in a camera club was through a photography
seminar I attended where I met and discussed with a number of attendees the
benefits of joining a local camera club. Several discussions during the break
periods convinced me to join.
Try before you join. Most camera clubs will allow you to attend their meetings
prior to joining to determine if your needs will be met. The only thing you
will not be allowed to do is participate in competitions. I would recommend
you visit all the camera clubs within your acceptable driving range and talk
to as many of the members as you can can. Once those requirements are met, join
the club. You will never regret your decision.
You may visit my club's website at www.photo-ne.com/clubs/stony.html
or to locate a club near you visit PSA at
www.psa-photo.org.
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